Polk County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 54th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Polk County, Nebraska is 5,209 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 54th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $71,771, the median home value is $177,800, and the median age is 43.7.
The population of Polk County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (5,394 → 5,269), a -0.17% annualized rate.
5,209
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
12
People / sq mi
$71,771
Median Income
$177,800
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 439 sq mi of land at 11.9 people per square mile.
About Polk County, NE
Polk County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 5,209. It ranks #54 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 43.7, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Polk County is $71,771, near the US median of $74,580. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $177,800, with monthly rent averaging $692. The homeownership rate of 81.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Polk County reflects 18.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.8 minutes each way.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 5,394 in 2010 and 5,269 in 2024, a -2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,394 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
5,269
Population (2024)
5,394
Population (2010)
5,394
Peak (2010)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,394 |
| 2011 | 5,336 |
| 2012 | 5,265 |
| 2013 | 5,241 |
| 2014 | 5,267 |
| 2015 | 5,169 |
| 2016 | 5,182 |
| 2017 | 5,299 |
| 2018 | 5,200 |
| 2019 | 5,154 |
| 2020 | 5,218 |
| 2021 | 5,193 |
| 2022 | 5,234 |
| 2023 | 5,212 |
| 2024 | 5,269 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.7
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
23.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 23.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,771$-3,214 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,903 |
| Per-capita income | $36,569 |
| Poverty rate | 4.8%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
4.7%
Carpool
76.1%
Public transit
9.8%
Work from home
20.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$177,800$-46,000 vs state
Median home value
$692
Median rent
81.6%
Homeownership rate
2,524
Total housing units
81.5%
Occupied
18.5%
Vacant
18.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.6%
With health insurance
91.4%
With broadband internet
15.8%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
95.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.3%
High School+
18.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, Nebraska has a population of 5,209 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 54th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 12 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (5,394 → 5,269), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, Nebraska is $71,771, with mean (average) household income of $89,903 and per-capita income of $36,569. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.4%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Polk County, Nebraska is 43.7 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $177,800 and median monthly rent is $692. 81.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,524 total housing units, 18.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Polk County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
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Statewide data for Nebraska
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Nebraska
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.